Apple iMac "M1" 8 CPU/8 GPU/4 Ports 24" Specs
Identifiers: iMac (24", M1 2021) - MGPK3LL/A* - iMac21,1 - A2438 - 3663
All iMac Models | All 2021 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/4 USB-C Shaped Ports (2021) model features a 5-nm 3.2 GHz Apple M1 processor with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), an 8-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, 8 GB of onboard RAM, and a 256 GB or 512 GB onboard SSD. Both the RAM and the SSD could be upgraded at the time of initial system purchase, but not subsequently.
This all is housed in a wafer thin aluminum case with flat edges that includes a 23.5" 4480x2520, 218 PPI, LED-backlit, "True Tone" widescreen "Retina 4.5K" display mounted on a svelte aluminum stand. This specific model was offered in the choice of six two-tone color options -- blue, green (pictured), pink, yellow, orange, and purple -- as well as a "classic" uniform silver color. It also has an integrated 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a "studio-quality three-mic array" and a "high-fidelity six-speaker system" that supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports (all with a USB-C connector), a 3.5 mm headphone jack conveniently mounted on the left edge of the display, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0. Gigabit Ethernet is provided by default via a port on the power brick.
Compared to its predecessor, the "2021 M1" iMac models have little in common and instead feature an all new external design and a completely different internal architecture that no longer supports internal upgrades at all.
By default, this specific "2021 M1" iMac shipped with a small, color matched aluminum wireless "Magic Keyboard with Touch ID" without a numeric keypad and a wireless "Magic Mouse" with multi-touch surface support. For an extra US$30 at the time of system purchase, you could substitute the stock keyboard for a "Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad". You also could substitute the Magic Mouse for a Magic Trackpad for an extra US$50, which provides multi-touch input and Force Touch support, or include both a Magic Mouse and a Magic Trackpad for an extra US$129.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "2021 M1" iMac models? Which one is best for me? (In-Depth)
- What are all the differences between the "2021 M1" iMac and the "2019" iMac it replaced? Is there any reason to still consider an older model? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon iMac models? Is one for me? (Quick Read)
Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.
Sell This Mac at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Storage & more.
- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
April 20, 2021* |
Discontinued Date: |
October 30, 2023 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*This model was first available for order on April 30, 2021 with initial deliveries starting to arrive on May 21, 2021.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2021. |
| Processors: |
1 (8 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The vintage Geekbench 2 benchmark does not support this Mac. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac21,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
N/A |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac21,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac21,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
5575* |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
22039* |
| Details: |
*The Geekbench 4 benchmark is running under the Rosetta 2 environment on this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the iMac21,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
1716 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
7469 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the iMac21,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
3.2 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Apple M1 |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 5 nm, 64-bit Apple M1 processor (SoC) with eight cores (4 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores). Third-party software reports that it has a clockspeed of 3.2 GHz. This model also has an 8-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine.
Also see: How fast are the "2021 M1" iMac models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to earlier iMac models? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
N/A* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*This system does not have a traditional system bus; it uses an integrated SoC (system-on-a-chip). |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
Proprietary |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
192k+128k, 128k+64k x4* |
L2/L3 Cache: |
12 MB, 4 MB x4* |
| Details: |
*Third-party analysis from Anandtech determined that the Apple M1 SoC in this model has a 192k+128k L1 cache per performance core and a 128k+64k L1 cache per efficiency core. Each performance core reportedly also has a 12 MB L2 cache and each efficiency core reportedly has a 4 MB L2 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
Unified* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*Shipped standard with 8 GB of "unified" onboard memory. |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB |
| Details: |
*8 GB of "unified" RAM is onboard by default. At the time of system purchase, it could be upgraded to 16 GB of RAM for an additional US$200. The RAM cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
8 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
*There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of "unified" RAM is onboard by default. At the time of system purchase, it could be configured with 16 GB of RAM, for an additional US$200, but as first confirmed by iFixit, it cannot be upgraded subsequently. |
| Video Card: |
8-Core |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This iMac "M1" model has an integrated Apple GPU with 8 cores. |
| Standard VRAM: |
Integrated |
Maximum VRAM: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
The 8-core GPU is integrated with the SoC. |
| Built-in Display: |
23.5" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
4480x2520 |
| Details: |
Despite its formal designation as a "24-Inch" 4.5K Retina display, this model actually has a 23.5-Inch LED-backlit widescreen TFT active matrix "Retina 4.5K" display with a native resolution of 4480x2520 at 218 ppi with "support for 1 billion colors," True Tone technology, wide color (P3), and brightness of 500 nits.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iMac. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more for this iMac.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this iMac. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
6016x3384 |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to one 6016x3384 (6K) external display at 60 Hz. It supports both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes. |
| Standard Storage: |
256 GB, 512 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Soldered* |
Storage Interface: |
Soldered* |
| Details: |
*The storage is soldered onboard. Internal upgrades are not possible.
Also see: What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac? Should I buy USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 external storage? |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This iMac does not have an internal optical drive. Furthermore, using it with the increasingly vintage external Apple SuperDrive requires an adapter. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T* |
| Details: |
*By default, Gigabit Ethernet is available via a port on the on the power brick. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
5.0 |
| Details: |
*802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 are standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4* |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
*The two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (USB-C connector) are capable of supporting USB 4 (up to 40 Gb/s) and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gb/s). The two USB 3 ports (also USB-C connector) are capable of supporting USB 3 (up to 10 Gb/s). |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
This model has no SD card slot as well as no other expansion slots or bays.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Magic Keyboard (Touch ID)* |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse* |
| Details: |
*By default, this specific iMac model shipped with a small, color matched aluminum wireless "Magic Keyboard with Touch ID" (A2449, EMC 3579) without a numeric keypad and a wireless "Magic Mouse" with multi-touch surface support. At the time of system purchase, you could substitute the stock keyboard for a "Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad" (A2520, EMC 3957) for an extra US$30. You also could substitute the Magic Mouse for a Magic Trackpad (which provides multi-touch input and Force Touch support) for an extra US$50 or equip this iMac with both a Magic Mouse and a Magic Trackpad for an additional US$129. |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
24" iMac M1 |
| Details: |
The 24-Inch "2021" iMac models use an aluminum case design with the computer suspended from an aluminum "foot" that is 5.8 inches (14.7 cm) deep. This specific model is available in six two-tone color options -- blue, green, pink, yellow, orange, and purple -- as well as a uniform silver color. |
| Apple Order No: |
MGPK3LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
iMac (24", M1 2021) |
| Details: |
*MGPK3LL/A refers to this iMac model in blue with 256 GB of storage. In green with 256 GB of storage, the order number is MGPH3LL/A; in pink with 256 GB of storage, it is MGPM3LL/A; in silver with 256 GB of storage, it is MGPC3LL/A. The default configuration of these models with 512 GB of storage are MGPL3LL/A in blue, MGPJ3LL/A in green, MGPN3LL/A in pink, and MGPD3LL/A in silver. Yellow, orange, and purple are configure-to-order options and do not have standard order numbers. |
| Apple Model No: |
A2438 (EMC 3663) |
Model ID: |
iMac21,1 |
| Details: |
These identifiers are specific to this particular iMac.
Also see: All Macs with the A2438 Model Number, the 3663 EMC Number, and the iMac21,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
N/A |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
macOS 11.3 (20E232) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current |
| Details: |
This model is fully compatible with the final version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), macOS Monterey (macOS 12), and macOS Ventura (macOS 13). It also is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) except that made for iPhone hearing devices do not directly pair with the Mac. Finally, it is fully compatible with the current version of the macOS -- macOS Sequoia (macOS 15).
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Sequoia (macOS 15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
None* |
Maximum Windows: |
None* |
| Details: |
*Apple Boot Camp is not compatible with this iMac, so it cannot boot Windows. It is capable of running Windows via a third-party virtualization app, though. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Virtualization |
| Details: |
For more on running Windows on Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
18.1 x 21.5 x 5.8 |
Avg. Weight: |
9.88 lbs. (4.48 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (46.1 cm, 54.7 cm, 14.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1499, US$1699* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$900-US$1200 |
| Details: |
*This model originally was US$1499 equipped with a 256 GB SSD and US$1699 equipped with a 512 GB SSD. Custom configurations also were available at additional cost.
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
| Video (Monitor): |
 2* (Thunderbolt / USB 4) |
Floppy (Ext.): |
 None |
| Details: |
*This model has two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and two USB 3 ports (all with a USB-C connector). The two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports support DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gb/s), USB 4 (up to 40 Gb/s), and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gb/s). Adapters also are available to use Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Thunderbolt docks and external drives compatible with this Mac and just about all others.
Also see: What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon iMac? Should I buy USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 external storage? |
| ADB: |
 None |
SCSI: |
 None |
| Serial (Standard): |
 None |
Serial (Geoport): |
 None |
| USB: |
 4* |
Firewire: |
 None |
| Details: |
*The two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (USB-C connector) are capable of supporting USB 4 (up to 40 Gb/s) and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gb/s). The two USB 3 ports (also USB-C connector) are capable of supporting USB 3 (up to 10 Gb/s). |
| Modem: |
None |
Ethernet: |
 1 (RJ-45)* |
| Details: |
*By default, this model is equipped with Gigabit Ethernet courtesy of a port on its power brick. 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 also are standard. |
| S-Video Input: |
 None |
S-Video Output: |
 None |
| Microphone: |
 3 (Built-in) |
Sound In: |
 N/A |
| Details: |
This model boasts a "studio-quality three-mic array." |
| Sound Out: |
 None* |
Headphone: |
 1* |
| Details: |
*This model has a single 3.5 mm headphone jack conveniently mounted on the left edge of the display. |
| Security (Lock): |
 None |
Joystick (PC): |
 None |
| Power: |
 1 |
Power Adapter: |
 None |
| Details: |
100V-240V (50 Hz to 60 Hz, single phase), Apple does not specify maximum wattage. |
Global original prices for the iMac "M1" 8 CPU/8 GPU/4 Ports 24" in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1849, C$2099 |
Brazil: |
R$20.099, R$22,599 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $38,499, $43,999 |
United States: |
US$1499, US$1699* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1669, €1899 |
Belgium: |
€1669, €1899 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 13,199, 14,999 |
Finland: |
€1719, €1949 |
| France: |
€1669, €1899 |
Germany: |
€1669, €1899 |
| Ireland: |
€1719, €1949 |
Italy: |
€1719, €1949 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1613,83, €1836,22 |
Netherlands: |
€1669, €1899 |
| Norway: |
NOK 17.490, 19.990 |
Portugal: |
€1719, €1949 |
| Spain: |
€1669, €1899 |
Sweden: |
SEK 18.495, 20.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'679, 1'899 |
United Kingdom: |
£1449, £1649 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 11,499, 12,999 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$11,499, HK$12,999 |
| India: |
Rs 139,900, 159,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 29,499,000, 32,499,000 |
| Japan: |
¥177,800, ¥199,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,940,000, 2,210,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 6,449, 7,249 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 85,990, 97,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,149, S$2,449 |
Taiwan: |
NT$45,900, NT$51,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 49,900, 56,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 39,990,000, 45,990,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2199, A$2499 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2499, NZ$2849 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< iMac (Home) | Also see: iMac FAQ
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect.
Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever.
EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any
damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright
information please read and understand the Terms
of Use and the Privacy Policy before
using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.
